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Identification and Qualitative Analysis of Liquid Effluents in the Spatial Planning Stage of a New Nuclear Power Plant Project
No full textPlanned JEK2 will generate liquid effluents during normal operation, categorized as radioactive and non-radioactive. Radioactive releases will mainly consist of tritium, while other radionuclides will be present only in trace amounts, all below the authorized limits. Non-radioactive effluents, originating from cooling and service water systems, will be treated by filtration, pH adjustment, and biocide neutralization. Thermal load of non-radioactive emissions to the Sava will be minimal to negligible levels, as the cooling tower serves as the heat sink. All effluents from JEK2 will be managed by design through defence in depth: multi-barrier treatment and holdup, controlled storage and release, and comprehensive monitoring under the ALARA principle to keep impacts low and within strict regulatory limit
Job Satisfaction Among Auditors in Slovenia: An Empirical Study
No full textThis study examines job satisfaction among auditors (CPAs) in Slovenia, and its relationship with professional age, decision-making level, gender, and audit firm size. A modified Job Descriptive Index (JDI) questionnaire was administered to auditors in Slovenija. Data were analysed using ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis H, and Mann–Whitney U tests. Overall, job satisfaction is high, about 75% all possible points on JDI measurement scale. No statistically significant differences were identified across professional age, decision-making level, gender, or audit firm size, indicating a homogeneous satisfaction pattern. Cross-sectional, self-reported data from a single country may limit generalisability. The results highlight the need for audit firms to support well-being, clarify career paths, and strengthen perceived autonomy to retain and attract young auditors. This is one of the first empirical studies of Slovenian auditors’ job satisfaction, using the JDI framework and several demographic and organisational variables
Izzivi pri prepoznavanju in podpori dvojno izjemnih učencev v izobraževalnem procesu
No full textTwice-exceptional students, who have giftedness combined with special educational needs, are often overlooked, which hinders the provision of appropriate support in the educational process. This paper analyses the attitudes and competences of professionals working with this group of students, as well as the ways knowledge is acquired in this field. The research results show that most professionals recognize the importance of identifying twice-exceptionality, yet only a few systematically incorporate appropriate pedagogical approaches into practice. Knowledge in this area is mostly gained through informal sources and experience sharing, since formal professional training is limited. The need for developing specialized training programs is emphasized to improve the identification and effective support of this specific group of students.Dvojno izjemni učenci, ki imajo nadarjenost v kombinaciji s posebnimi vzgojno-izobraževalnimi potrebami, so pogosto spregledani, kar ovira zagotavljanje ustrezne podpore v izobraževalnem procesu. V prispevku analiziramo stališča in usposobljenost strokovnih delavcev za delo s to skupino učencev ter načine pridobivanja znanja na področju dvojne izjemnosti. Rezultati raziskave kažejo, da se večina respondentov zaveda pomena prepoznavanja dvojne izjemnosti, vendar le redki sistematično in dosledno vključujejo ustrezne pedagoške pristope v prakso. Znanje na tem področju se večinoma pridobiva z neformalnimi viri in izmenjavo izkušenj, saj je ponudba formalnih strokovnih izobraževanj skromna. Poudarjena je potreba po razvoju specializiranih programov usposabljanja, ki bi izboljšali prepoznavanje in učinkovito podporo tej specifični skupini učencev
Countries\u27 Structural Characteristics and the Magnitude of Fiscal Shock
Full text linkThe transmission channels of stabilizing fiscal policy remain partially unexplored, which presents a challenge for the effective management of economic policy. Using a broad dataset and vector autoregression methodology, this paper examines the relationship between selected structural characteristics of economies and the magnitude of fiscal multipliers. The results indicate that fiscal multipliers tend to be smaller in more developed economies, in business-friendly environments, and in EU and EMU member states. Additionally, findings on public and private debt, as well as savings levels, suggest that fiscal multipliers are higher in countries where a larger share of economic agents faces liquidity constraints. Consequently, increased public spending, driven by households\u27 higher marginal propensity to consume, produces a stronger impact on output through the multiplier effect. Our results provide a foundation for fiscal policymakers to design appropriate measures tailored to the specific characteristics of individual economies, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of stabilization policies. Consequently, fiscal stimulus can achieve a greater impact while ensuring the efficient allocation of taxpayer resources
Pojmovanja profesionalnega razvoja med vzgojitelji – njihova povezava z motivi izbire poklica in s poklicnim zadovoljstvom
No full textIn this paper, we are interested in preschool teachers’ conceptions of professional development in relation to their motives for choosing the profession and professional satisfaction. Results of a study among 145 Slovenian preschool teachers show that they generally have a positive conception of professional development; nevertheless, recognition of the importance of learning and in-depth reflection on this conception depend on career motivations, while a broader conception of professional development increases the likelihood of thinking about leaving the profession more frequently. The findings justify the need for better recognition of preschool teachers’ needs and obstacles in the workplace.V prispevku nas zanimajo vzgojiteljeva pojmovanja profesionalnega razvoja v povezavi z motivi za izbiro poklica in poklicnim zadovoljstvom. Rezultati raziskave med 145 slovenskimi vzgojitelji kažejo, da v povprečju pozitivno pojmujejo profesionalni razvoj, a je upoštevanje vidika pomena učenja in poglobljene refleksije v tem pojmovanju odvisno od motivov za izbiro poklica, ob celovitejšem pojmovanju profesionalnega razvoja pa tudi pogosteje razmišljajo o zapustitvi poklica. Izsledki raziskave potrjujejo potrebo po boljši pripoznavi potreb vzgojiteljev in njihovih ovirah na delovnem mestu
Upravljanje s komunalnimi odpadki in z njimi povezane težave v Asmari, Eritreja
Full text linkUrbanization, rising incomes, and lifestyle changes are major drivers of municipal solid waste generation, especially in developing countries. Asmara, Eritrea, faces significant waste management challenges, particularly due to a large, disorganized open dumping site at Betghiorghish. This site lacks a proper recycling strategy and threatens local biodiversity. A study was conducted to evaluate the types and amounts of waste generated in Asmara, using primary data collected from various economic groups through questionnaires. Study found a positive correlation between urbanization and waste generation. Moreover, different economic strata have different amount and nature of waste. There is report of increasing amount of non-biodegradable waste among the higher income people/region. An integrated sustainable planning is needed to manage the municipal waste.Urbanizacija, višji dohodki in spremembe življenjskega sloga so glavni dejavniki nastajanja trdnih komunalnih odpadkov v državah v razvoju. Asmara v Eritreji se sooča z velikimi izzivi glede ravnanja z odpadki, zlasti zaradi velikega, neurejenega odprtega odlagališča v Betghiorghishu, s čimer ogroža lokalno biotsko raznovrstnost. Študija, ki je obravnavala vrste in količine odpadkov na podlagi podatkov iz vprašalnikov, je pokazala pozitivno povezavo med urbanizacijo in nastajanjem odpadkov. Študija je pokazala, da obstaja pozitivna povezava med urbanizacijo in nastajanjem odpadkov. Poleg tega imajo različni gospodarski sloji različno količino in naravo odpadkov. Obstajajo poročila o vse večji količini biološko nerazgradljivih odpadkov med ljudmi/regijami z višjimi dohodki. Za ravnanje s komunalnimi odpadki je potrebno celostno trajnostno načrtovanje
Značilnosti tipologij podeželske arhitekture na območju Doukkala v Maroku
Full text linkDoukkala, located in central Morocco, features diverse rural architecture shaped by nine tribes according to local resources and traditions. This article explores the transition from traditional to modern housing, highlighting differences in form, construction methods, materials, and functions, as well as challenges faced by rural dwellings. It also examines state efforts to preserve and valorize traditional housing as cultural heritage. The study applies a descriptive and historical approach, combining field research, scientific literature, and terrain observation using ArcGIS and satellite imagery to analyze rural housing typologies in the Doukkala region.Doukkala, regija v osrednjem Maroku, je znana po raznoliki podeželski arhitekturi, ki so jo oblikovala plemena glede na dosegljivost lokalnih virov in tradicijo. Prispevek raziskuje prehod od tradicionalnih k sodobnim oblikam bivališč ter izpostavlja razlike v obliki, gradbenih metodah, materialih in funkcijah, pa tudi izzive, s katerimi se soočajo podeželska naselja. Obravnava tudi prizadevanja države za ohranitev in ovrednotenje tradicionalnih bivališč kot kulturne dediščine. Študija uporablja opisni in zgodovinski pristop ter združuje terensko raziskovanje, pregled znanstvene literature in opazovanje terena s pomočjo programske opreme ArcGIS in satelitskih posnetkov za analizo tipologij podeželskih bivališč v regiji Doukkala
The Imperative of Revising the Arbitration Exception in the Brussels I bis Regulation
Full text linkArbitration represents a popular alternative dispute resolution mechanism in the European Union (EU). However, the coexistence of arbitration and court litigation in the EU legal area has been proven to be quite difficult to regulate. At the EU level, the Brussels I bis Regulation, i.e., the main instrument governing jurisdiction and recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, explicitly states that arbitration does not fall under its scope. This ‘arbitration exception’ has led to difficulties in practice, many of which have found their way to the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU). However, as the CJEU case law shows, it only led to new questions. As these issues will keep emerging, a different solution must be found. The perfect moment for such change is now, as the reform of the Brussels I bis Regulation is ongoing. This paper thus presents the intricacies of the ‘thorny’ interplay of arbitration and court litigation in the EU. In order to remedy the existing problems in practice, two potential solutions are suggested.
Povzetek članka v slovenskem jeziku (abstract in Slovene language):
Arbitraža je v Evropski uniji (EU) priljubljen mehanizem alternativnega reševanja sporov. Vendar se je izkazalo, da je soobstoj arbitraže in sodnih postopkov na pravnem področju EU precej težko urediti. Na ravni EU je v uredbi Bruselj I bis, tj. glavnem instrumentu, ki ureja pristojnost ter priznavanje in izvrševanje sodnih odločb v civilnih in gospodarskih zadevah, izrecno navedeno, da arbitraža ne spada na njeno področje uporabe. Zaradi te „arbitražne izjeme“ so se v praksi pojavile težave, od katerih jih je veliko prišlo do Sodišča EU (SEU). Vendar je, kot kaže sodna praksa Sodišča EU, privedla le do novih vprašanj. Ker se bodo ta vprašanja še naprej pojavljala, je treba najti drugačno rešitev. Idealen trenutek za takšno spremembo je zdaj, ko poteka reforma uredbe Bruselj I bis. V tem prispevku so tako predstavljene zapletene podrobnosti „kočljivega“ prepletanja arbitraže in sodnih postopkov v EU. Za odpravo obstoječih težav v praksi sta predlagani dve možni rešitvi
Comparative evaluation of fresh and freeze-dried 3D-printed wound dressings with Plantago major extract: In vitro primerjava svežih in liofiliziranih 3D natisnjenih materialov za oskrbo ran z vgrajenim ekstraktom P. major
No full textAim: In this study, we prepared an extract of Plantago major L. (PM) herb and assessed its safety and impact on fibroblast metabolic activity (MA) across a broad concentration range. Additionally, we examined the effects of dry and fresh three dimensionally (3D)-printed wound dressings (abbreviated: dressing) on fibroblasts and evaluated their influence on cell migration and proliferation by a scratch assay.
Methods: We prepared a methanolic PM extract and investigated its effect on fibroblast MA across various concentrations. Using 3D printing, we fabricated dressings composed of methylcellulose, alginate, and nanofibrillated cellulose, incorporating the extract. Subsequently, we assessed the effects of dry and fresh dressings on fibroblast MA as well as on migration/proliferation by a scratch assay.
Results: T he e xtract h ad n o c ytotoxic e ffects a t c oncentrations of 1–1,000 μg/mL, but became cytotoxic at 10,000 μg/mL. Fibroblast MA increased up to a concentration of 1,000 μg/mL, after which it began to decline, indicating a hormetic effect. The dry dressing enhanced fibroblast MA 1.2-fold more than the control (normalized to 1.0) and the fresh dressing (0.99-fold). The scratch assay confirmed that both dressings supported fibroblast migration/proliferation equally.
Conclusions: Our in vitro results support the traditional use of PM in wound healing and can serve as a basis for future investigation of this plant in clinical trials.Namen: Namen študije je bil pripraviti ekstrakt iz zeli širokolistnega trpotca ter oceniti njegovo varnost in vpliv na metabolno aktivnost (MA) fibroblastov v širokem razponu koncentracij. Poleg tega smo preučili učinek suhega in svežega 3D-tiskanega materiala za oskrbo ran (obloge) na fibroblastih, da bi bolje razumeli njegov potencial pri celjenju ran.
Metode: Pripravili smo metanolni ekstrakt trpotca in testirali njegov vpliv na MA fibroblastov v širokem razponu koncentracij. S 3D tiskom smo izdelali obloge (sestavljene iz metilceluloze, alginata in nanofibrilirane celuloze) z vgrajenim ekstraktom ter preučili vpliv suhe in sveže obloge na MA fibroblastov in celjenje ran.
Rezultati: Ekstrakt je bil varen pri koncentracijah 1–1.000 μg/mL, medtem ko je bil pri 10.000 μg/mL citotoksičen. MA fibroblastov se je povečevala do 1.000 μg/mL, nato je začela padati, kar nakazuje na hormetični učinek. Suha obloga je povečala MA fibroblastov na 1,2 v primerjavi s kontrolo (1) in svežo oblogo (0,99). Test zapiranja raze je pokazal, da obe oblogi podobno učinkovito podpirata migracijo/proliferacijo fibroblastov.
Zaključki: Naši in vitro testi podpirajo tradicionalno uporabo širokolistnega trpotca pri celjenju ran in lahko predstavljajo osnovo za nadaljnje raziskave te rastline v kliničnih študijah
Climate Change and Air Pollution: The Twin Threats to Children’s Health and Well-Being
Full text linkEnvironmental factors, such as air pollution and climate change, significantly contribute to the global burden of disease and are critical to understanding health disparities between countries, with low- and middle-income nations facing the highest environmental health burdens across various diseases and injuries. While health is universally acknowledged as both a fundamental human need and a basic human right, yet the harmful effects of unhealthy environments disproportionately impact children. Research indicates that pre- and post-natal exposures to environmental toxicants can disrupt brain and lung development, impairing their function. These health impacts are distributed unequally, with marginalised populations experiencing greater harm. The IPCC identifies fossil fuel combustion as the primary driver of climate change. Epidemiological studies further highlight the existing and future consequences of climate change, including its effects on infectious diseases, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and mental well-being